Thin-tailed Burbot
VU

Thin-tailed Burbot

Lota lota

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burbot

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Thin-tailed Burbot faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization, which disrupts the cold, well-oxygenated waters essential for spawning. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge has compromised water quality in many river systems. Climate change poses an additional threat by warming water temperatures beyond the species' thermal tolerance, particularly affecting shallow spawning areas during critical reproductive periods.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Thin-tailed Burbot inhabits cold, deep freshwater systems including large rivers, lakes, and their tributaries across northern regions. This species requires well-oxygenated waters with temperatures typically below 18°C and prefers areas with rocky or sandy substrates for spawning.

FRESHWATER· major

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
EN

knopphodeedderkopp

Walckenaeria nodosa

Unknown
EN

Dolichopus notatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Thin-tailed Burbot classified as Vulnerable?
Thin-tailed Burbot is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Thin-tailed Burbot faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization, which disrupts the cold, well-oxygenated waters essential for spawning. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge has compromised water quality in many river systems. Climate change poses an additional threat by warming water temperatures beyond the species' thermal tolerance, particularly affecting shallow spawning areas during critical reproductive periods.
Where does Thin-tailed Burbot live?
Thin-tailed Burbot occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Bulgaria (plus 32 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Thin-tailed Burbot?
The main threats to Thin-tailed Burbot are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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